The best Dominican restaurants in New York showcase all of the flavourful favourites you’d expect to see wandering the streets of Santo Domingo.
NYC has a vibrant and proud Dominican Republic community (especially in Washington Heights and Inwood), so expect to find some amazing food here. If you’re not drooling yet, then you’re about to…
Best Dominican Restaurants In New York
How do these rankings work?
1. Malecon
This uptown Dominican restaurant has been in business in Washington Heights for over 30 years, and has a second location in The Bronx. It’s a true neighbourhood favourite for two reasons: its amazing food and the fact that it serves until midnight.
Dig into authentic Latin cuisine as mofongo, mondongo and delicious tropical fruit shakes, as well as its juicy and flavourful pollo al carbon.
2. El Nuevo Caridad
You might have to wait a while to get a table at busy periods in this bustling Dominican hotspot in Harlem, but it’s always worth the wait. Menu highlights include huge portions of bacalao, platanos maduros and a slow-roasted chicken dish.
It’s just as famous for its impressive collection of baseball memorabilia as it is its incredible food, so take a look at all the pieces on display after your feast.
3. 188 Bakery Cuchifritos
Okay, technically this is more of a counter service/bakery, but the food here is too delicious not to mention. Cuchifritos specialises in Puerto Rican and Dominican Republic dishes, particularly pork dishes like chicharróns and pernil.
It’s a bright and vibrant space, with a menu entirely in Spanish. If in doubt, ask for help from the friendly staff.
4. El Castillo de Jagua
This popular Dominican restaurant in New York has has been a part of the LES neighbourhood for over 40 years. The menu is ultimate Caribbean comfort food: mangu for breakfast, beef short ribs, fried red snapper, pernil and hearty chicken soups.
If you want a serious feast full of authentic island tastes, this is the place for you.
5. La Casa del Mofongo
You can’t miss this popular spot – just look for the huge pilon (the cooking tool used to mash plantains) that’s right in front of the restaurant. You can dig into some of the best mofongo in the city, with choices ranging from salami to pork to shrimp. And for those late night cravings? You’re in luck, as the kitchen is open 24 hours a day.
There’s also regular live music!
6. Puerto Viejo
Feast on favourites like salted codfish fritters, ropa vieja, fried pork chops, skirt steak, arroz con pollo and homemade lemonade at this great Prospect Heights restaurant. As well as taking serious pride in cooking up only the most authentic dishes, they place huge importance on sustainability.
You can often dine to the vibrant sounds of live music.
7. DOS31 Cocina + Bar
For a proper Dominican feed to the sounds of live Latin tunes, this lively restaurant is a surefire hit. Savour all of the traditional Dominican dishes you love with their famous signature dishes.
Service is fast, portions are big, and the mofongo is out of this world. DOS31 ticks all the boxes.
